Studio doors stood open as artists stepped out of their studios, greeting one another and encouraging visitors to explore the myriad of work being displayed. Conversations drifted down the hallway about brushstrokes, metalwork and inspiration, while attendees moved slowly from room to room, welcomed into spaces that felt closer to shared workshops than formal galleries.

On the third Friday of each month, Golden Belt Arts becomes a vibrant hub of creativity: a former textile mill turned gathering place, where Durham’s creative community invites the public to shop and explore. From 6 to 9 p.m., studios open across the campus, transforming the historic complex into one of the city’s largest recurring arts events.

As a first-time visitor to the city’s art scene, I arrived unsure of what the night would hold. By the end of the evening, it was clear that the Third Friday Art Walk is less about quietly observing art on conventional white walls and more about conversation — between artists and visitors, about mediums and ideas over Durham’s industrial past and its evolving cultural identity.

Golden Belt is a redeveloped industrial campus about a mile from downtown that now houses apartments, office spaces, and a robust arts program. At its core are Warehouse Studios, home to 25 working artists whose spaces double as galleries during public events. The campus also includes additional gallery space and often features live music, food and drink options in its outdoor courtyard.

Despite spanning multiple buildings, the campus is easy to navigate. Clear signage directs visitors to studios and galleries, and free parking improves accessibility. Once inside, the layout encourages wandering.

I didn’t navigate the evening alone. Kerry Burch, one of Golden Belt’s studio artists, offered what felt like a personal introduction to the campus, guiding me through the first part of the night with an informal tour. She stepped easily between studios, greeting fellow residents and introducing me to artists along the way, turning what could have been an overwhelming first visit into a series of connections.

The experience underscored how interconnected the community is, with artists supporting artists and everyone welcoming newcomers into their circle.

The range of work on display is wide. Oil paintings hang beside acrylic abstracts, and jewelry cases sit across from photography prints. In one studio, plush creations shaped like plants and animals fill the shelves, and in another, large canvases layered with bold color command the walls.

That variety is intentional, said jewelry artist Tiffany Coley, one of Golden Belt’s studio residents.

“What I think makes Durham unique is that the arts are deeply a part of the community,” Coley said. “There are places that are accessible for art, and for people of all different backgrounds.”

Coley, who began designing jewelry while working as a software engineer, draws inspiration from structure and form.

“My inspiration often comes from shapes, architecture, and structures, especially things I see in nature,” she said. “I’m usually drawn to forms that are more geometric and industrial.”

For Coley, Third Friday offers something beyond sales.

“To get the best experience, to really talk to the artists and be immersed in it, you should visit on Third Fridays,” she said. “That’s the time to come if you want to be fully immersed, meet the artists, and experience the artwork.”

That immersion was evident throughout the evening. Visitors lingered in studios, asking about processes and materials. Notably, artists were open in sharing not just what they created, but why they created it. Conversations moved easily from technique to inspiration and personal background, fostering a relational environment rather than a transactional one.

Burch described that sense of exchange as central to the experience.

“We have such a variety of different work, and it’s really special to be able to appreciate people who are creative and have a true craft,” Burch said. “Being in touch with the maker, that connection, really makes a piece of art meaningful.”

Burch paints large abstract canvases marked by bold color and branching forms. With a background in science and technology, she often incorporates imagery inspired by neurons and natural systems.

“The branching elements, the way things seem to reach out and touch each other, it mirrors what you see in the natural world,” she said. “The more connection you have with a piece, the more you feel passionate about it.”

The feeling of connectedness extended beyond conversation and into the way the art was presented. Tables and walls held pieces at a wide range of price points, from small prints and handcrafted jewelry to larger statement paintings and mixed-media works. The experience did not require a purchase to feel meaningful, but the opportunity to support a local artist was always within reach.

Not every purchase was a large-scale investment. Many artists offered smaller, more affordable items like prints, cards, jewelry, and handcrafted objects, making it possible for many visitors to leave with something tangible.

Golden Belt regularly includes Durham’s broader art community at the Third Friday Art Walk. On campus, visitors can also find a satellite gallery connected to the Durham Art Guild, further expanding the range of work on display.

For artists, the space offers stability and visibility. Coley said having a dedicated studio has expanded her reach.

“I didn’t really have a central place where people could come, meet with me, or discuss custom work,” she said. “Having this space gives us the opportunity to welcome clients in.”

She also emphasized the value of working alongside other creatives.

“Being part of a community and inviting that community in has really helped me build a bigger client base,” Coley said.

As the evening wound down, the courtyard lights glowed against the brick walls, and visitors filtered out carrying small paper bags and wrapped canvases. Others left empty-handed but animated, still talking about what they had seen.

For a first-time visitor, Third Friday at Golden Belt offered more than an introduction to local art. It represented how Durham sustains its creative community — not through distant admiration, but through proximity.

The doors are open, and the artists are present. Whether you are new to Durham or already immersed in its art scene, Third Friday offers an experience that feels accessible, engaging and distinctly local.

To explore the artists’ work and learn more about upcoming Golden Belt events, learn more about the artists online and plan your next Third Friday experience.